I've been putting this post off for way too long. I apologize for that. But it is certainly a topic that all of our readers should be aware of. It is about a controversy surrounding a man named James Frey and his book.

A Million Little Pieces came out in hardcover in 2003. It is the story (remember that word) of Frey's addiction to drugs and alcohol, his agonizing recovery in a Minnesota drug treatment center, and finally, his salvation. The book details, in graphic, gory detail, many horrific episodes in Frey's life. His strength and courage to beat his addiction down (in the face of terrible odds) touched many readers. One of those readers was Oprah.

Oprah Winfrey has a book club, maybe you've heard of it? Whenever she recommends a book to the world, the world reads that book. When she recommended Frey's A Million Little Pieces, it got the attention of millions of previously untapped readers. Everyone was shocked by Frey's life story. It was amazing. At one point in the book, Frey wrote that because of his drug addiction, he had to endure a root canal without novacaine. Readers squirmed and suffered along with the author. The connection was unbreakable. This man was an inspiration. His memoir was unbelievable. In fact, maybe it was too unbelievable.

- Story by Lindsay Cohen, Grade 9

"How ‘bout an ice cream sundae fer you, little Susie?"

"No thank ya’, Mr. Callidus. A’ just ate ma’ lunch and mama says the ice cream isn’t good fer ma’ tummy."

"But you’re such a pretty lil’ girl. All pretty girls need ice cream!" Susie moved her head from left to right, inspecting her surroundings like a watch guard.

"A’right," she said in a soft voice, "just don’t tell mama."

"That’s a girl!"

"A’ only got twenty-five cents, though."

"Just the right amount for a sundae with a cherry on top."

APRIL 24, 1962. THE SOUTHERN POST. FRONT PAGE:
"GIRL DIES LAST NIGHT OF UNKNOWN CAUSE. SYMPTOMS WERE HIGH FEVER AND SORE THROAT."

Mr. Callidus flicked the paper onto his kitchen table with a smirk on his face.

"Awww. Poor lil’ girl. The family must be jus’ devastated."

In the news today is a young children's book called Potty Time With Elmo. The book has different buttons that, when pressed, emit Elmo's helpful, childlike voice instructing kids on how to use the potty. But is he saying something else?

Uh oh! Who has to go?

That's what the publishers of the book say is being misheard by some readers/listeners. Apparently, there are a few defective books out there where the audio file on this particular phrase sounds ... different. Some parents and their very young children have heard

Uh oh! Who wants to die?

Now whatever the reason behind this flaw in some of the books--whether it was the result of some disgruntled employee getting his revenge, or the readers hearing something that isn't there, or that it is a corrupted file as the publisher says--whatever the case may be, I don't want to hear it. I'm kinda scared just thinking that it's out there.

However, it is intriguing to think that Elmo may be contemplating his own mortality. 

Editors' Note: We asked you to tell us who inspires you in life, who your influences are. Here's what some of you had to say.

The author who influences my writing most is Meg Cabot. I've read many of her books like the Princess Diaries Series to The Mediator. I love her style of writing, which is directed to pre-teens and teens. Her books are funny and unpredictable. Meg has written many books, which I intend to do in my lifetime. She continues to take on the challenge of being a writer. I am hoping that in my lifetime I can make a page-turner book just like she has done.